Author: Zoé Piater

Today, January 26th, 2024, sees the release of  Irish pop- dance sensation LYRA’s new single “Chess”  a mesmerising pop anthem. Taken from the highly- anticipated upcoming album.

LYRA was busy performing ‘Chess’ at shows throughout 2023,  including the main stage at Electric Picnic.  It was a record that resonated with her audience and was inevitable that ‘Chess’ was going to be the lead track from her new studio album.  The record was crafted by UK producers Mark Crew and Dan Priddy who also worked with Bastille, Rag ‘n’Bone Man and Freya Ridings.

The record opens with LYRA’s hypnotising vocal presence, leading into dark rythmic tempo,  radiating her infectious energy and lyrical hooks. The song was written about starting out in the music industry and the perils associated with that. The conflicting thoughts one has when navigating a music career, LYRA is unapologetic at being her true and authentic self.

Speaking about the single LYRA says…

“My dad taught me how to play chess when I was younger. It was a massive mind game and when I grew up it reminded me about a lot of obstacles I had to get through in order to find out who I am”.

LYRA explains;

“I was constantly being asked “what box do you fit in” and I really struggled with that. We are not built for boxes and life isn’t about ticking off lists. The day I said “enough is enough, I’m not your pawn anymore” is the day I created Chess”.

To celebrate the release of ‘Chess’,  LYRA will be heading out on a twenty two date Irish Tour this Spring including two dates at 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, you can get tickets (HERE)

Gemma Hayes shares her brand new single ‘Feed The Flames’ – already a firm favourite with fans, who have been anticipating its release ever since Gemma started teasing new material during her live sets.

The new single introduces another track from the upcoming new album and is accompanied by an official music video, which shows the artist in a brand new light; one in which strength and vulnerability fuse to herald a phoenix-like return from Gemma Hayes, one of Ireland’s most accomplished songwriters.

Gemma Hayes says of Feed The Flames: “I originally began writing the song after watching Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Knowing a bit about their relationship off screen I was really taken by the depth of their connection, it was a living, breathing fire. What I got from delving into their relationship is that you can love something or someone so much only for your human fallibility to come along and destroy it.”

The release follows the news that Gemma Hayes will embark upon an Irish Tour this spring, with dates in Kilkenny, Kerry, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Dublin and Louth. Tickets are on sale now from gemmahayes.com . See list of dates and venues below. Further dates to be added.

‘Feed the Flames’ follows Gemma’s exceptional single ‘High & Low’, the first new material from the award-winning songwriter in nearly a decade. The song garnered widespread airplay on the likes of BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio Ulster, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ lyric fm, Newstalk, Dublin’s 98fm, Cork’s Red FM and more. This month, Gemma’s incredible Fanning at Whelan’s set aired on Virgin Media One Television. The Business Post praised Gemma as “a songwriter whose work pivots between serious life experiences and an indie folk/rock style influenced as much by Nick Drake as My Bloody Valentine”.

Gemma spent 2023 getting back out on the road, bringing her stirring live show to crowds that span generations. Gemma spent Autumn playing to audiences solo as well as part of a trio with Lisa Hannigan and Paul Noonan. She recently sold out London’s Omeara and Dublin’s Whelan’s as part of a UK and Ireland tour.

Gemma Hayes’ debut album Night On My Side was released in 2002, for which she won Best Female Artist at the Hot Press Awards and a Mercury Prize nomination. Since then, she has released four critically acclaimed studio albums and a limited-edition live album.

Gemma is constantly in demand for film and tv placements – she recently contributed to the soundtrack of the film adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s Greyhound of a Girl .  Her version of Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game’, recorded for the US TV series Pretty Little Liars , now has over 24 million streams on Spotify alone.

Gemma Hayes – 2024 Irish Tour Dates
12th April – Watergate Theatre – Kilkenny 
19th April – Gleneagle INEC – Killarney, Kerry 
20th April – Dolan’s – Limerick 
21st April – Cyprus Avenue – Cork 
27th April – Roisin Dubh – Galway 
10th May – RCC – Letterkenny, Donegal 
18th May – Vicar Street – Dublin
19th May – Spirit Store – Dundalk, Louth

“NewDad’s first full-length shows them expanding on their indie-pop roots, adding extra gnarly post-punk bite and more sophisticated textures to their updated mix of The Cure, Slowdive and Curve” – Uncut

“NewDad find a winning immediacy and existential angst that’s reminiscent of the Cure, Wolf Alice or New Order” – The Observer

“A compelling mix of alt-pop, folk balladry and all manner of fuzzball spookiness” – Record Collector

“NewDad are the Irish shoegazers trying to set out their own generational path” – Rolling Stone UK

“The way in which NewDad’s music untangles the minutiae of major life changes has won them the hearts of a young, devoted following to whom they are somewhere between friends and emergent rock heroes – awe-inspiring and aspirational, but also accessible” – NME

“A debut album of formidable heights” – Dork

Entering 2024 as one of Ireland’s brightest new bands following a slew of hype from the likes of NME (check out their recent cover feature), Rolling Stone UK, The Observer, Uncut and 6 Music, today, NewDad release their acclaimed debut album ‘Madra’ on Fair Youth/Atlantic (listen here). Spending the bulk of last year advancing their status as one of Ireland’s most anticipated alt/rock bands, NewDad released a series of track drops in the run-up to their debut – ‘In My Head’, ‘Angel’, ‘Let Go’, ‘Nightmares‘ and ‘White Ribbons: a demonstration of the Galway outfit’s fuzzy shoegaze sound and melanonic lyricism, which has seen them become lauded as heroes of existential turmoil.

The band’s debut album, Madra (meaning “dog” in Irish), is an 11-song, guitar-stacked visceral outing, as singer/guitarist Julie Dawson embarks on a journey of self-exploration, self-sabotage, and reflection. Soaked in dysfunction, Madra searches for solace in pain, tackling themes of bullying (‘Where I Go’), self-medication/depression (‘Madra’, ‘Let Go’), destruction (‘Change My Mind’, ‘White Ribbons’), codependency (‘Nosebleed’) and resistance (‘Nightmares’). The album artwork, photographed by Irish creative, Joshua Gordon, shows a broken doll that serves as a metaphor for the album’s themes of fragility and vulnerability.

The album finds NewDad reconnect with their musical roots, digging deep into the shoegaze/rock sonics that soundtracked their formative years (the band cite Pixies, The Cure and Slowdive as some of their biggest early influences), together with glimmers of indie/pop that harks back to their earlier material: ‘Waves EP’ (2021) and ‘Banshee EP’ (2022). Written in their home city of Galway, Ireland, before the band moved to London this year, and recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios (Black Sabbath, Queen), the album has been produced by NewDad’s long-time collaborator Chris W Ryan (Just Mustard) and mixed by Alan Moulder (The Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Wet Leg). Bound together by Julie’s ghostly vocal – a vessel for her weighty, introspective songwriting – Madra firmly marks NewDad as one of Ireland’s most promising debut guitar bands.

Speaking upon the album’s announcement, Julie said – “Madra meaning dog in Irish explores various difficult parts of the human condition and the idea of the title is that these feelings that come up are sometimes ones you can’t escape, feelings that follow you around like a dog. We had an amazing team around us who helped bring these songs to life and we’re so excited for this album to be out in the world. We hope that people connect with the songs and that Madra can be a comfort to everyone who listens.”

Most recently, Julie sat down with 6 Music’s Huw Stepehens for a round table 2023 round-up (listen here). The band will tour the UK in Feb/March, taking in London’s KOKO on 5 March.

Madra tracklisting

1) Angel
2) Sickly Sweet
3) Where I Go
4) Change My Mind
5) In My Head
6) Nosebleed
7) Let Go
8) Dream Of Me
9) Nightmares
10) White Ribbons
11) Madra

UK & Ireland Tour

24 Feb 2024        Leeds                                    Belgrave Music Hall *SOLD OUT*
25 Feb 2024        Manchester                         Band On The Wall *SOLD OUT*
26 Feb 2024        Glasgow                               St Luke’s
28 Feb 2024        Dublin                                  Button Factory *SOLD OUT*
29 Feb 2024        Dublin                                  Button Factory  *SOLD OUT*
2 March 2024      Birmingham                       O2 Institute
3 March 2024      Bristol                                  Trinity
5 March 2024      London                                Koko

Tickets: NewDad – Official Website

About NewDad

Galway-formed band NewDad (a moniker they picked from a random name generator) formed in Galway, Ireland in 2020 after coming together for a musical practical at school as part of a final year project. It’s a songwriting journey that began at the age of nine, when singer/guitarist Julie Dawson took up guitar after falling for Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriele via her parent’s record collection, before developing her skill set at various summer camps.

Part of the Ireland’s fruitful music scene – one that’s generated Fontaine’s D.C, CMAT and Just Mustard over recent years – NewDad are here to remind us of the restlessness, anxieties, and the sometimes-flawed relationships that we’ve all had to navigate throughout our lives. Straddling the autobiographical with the fantastical, the band also draw influence from modern-day cinema/TV, and their home city of Galway.

Alongside a host of sold out headline shows (most notably Dublin’s Grand Social), NewDad has previously opened for Paolo Nutini at Alexandra Palace, Fontaines DC at Custom House Square and Inhaler at Fairview Park.

Following on from her stunning single ‘All Those Yesterdays’ released last November, Irish Singer – Songwriter Megan O’Neill returns with a new song ‘The Hard Way’.

Self-written, the song was recorded at the Meadow Studios, Delgany, in June 2023 and produced by O’Neill and Alex Borwick. ‘The Hard Way’ was recorded mostly live, featuring an incredible bunch of players consisting of Paul Kenny (drums; James Vincent McMorrow, Get Well Soon), Joseph Doyle (bass; Glen Hansard, Lisa O’Neill) and Sam Killeen (electric guitar; Kodaline, Lisa Hannigan). Alex Borwick adds some beautiful trombone and Scott Halliday (mixing) and Stephen Ceresia (mastering) provide the finishing touches. Megan herself plays piano and electric guitar on the track.

Penned by O’Neill in early 2023, the song reflects a period of grappling with grief and loss. Partially inspired by Jon Kabat-Zinn’s famous book, ‘Wherever You Go, There You Are,’ the lyrics of ‘The Hard Way’ convey Megan’s sense of loneliness, which persisted whether she was living in the countryside or the city during this period.

The song concludes with an acceptance that life is a combination of the good and bad, the beautiful and the imperfect, but that it’s taken quite some time for O’Neill to understand and embrace this.

***

Last year, O’Neill released an EP titled: Time (Thought you were on my side), featuring five songs written and recorded with producer Richey McCourt. This EP merges her folk, storytelling roots with more electronic elements and was stylistically somewhat different to previous material, highlighting O’Neill’s ability to successfully move between genres. Both singles (Wildfire and Fail Better) became top 10 charting singles and were playlisted by RTE Radio 1, iRadio, Spin 1038 and more, as well as featured performances on BBC’s Across the Line and Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show.

Megan’s sophomore studio album Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty was released in March 2021. Time in a Bottle, the bonus track, featured in the opening scene of hit Netflix TV Show Firefly Lane and one week later, O’Neill performed the song live on the RTE Late Late Show – charting that same weekend in Ireland across all genres. Megan’s subsequent Late Late Show performance was this past September when she performed Brian Byrne’s ‘Lay Your Head Down’, originally released with Sinead O’Connor on vocals.

Deemed a “rising star” by uDiscover and Timeout Magazine London, Megan has toured globally. She has performed at private Oscars’ parties in LA alongside Gavin James (on invite from JJ Abrams) and has had her song ‘Don’t You’ featured on ABC’s hit TV Show ‘Nashville’ (Season 3). She has opened for the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Lighthouse Family and Jamie Cullum (to name a few) and the late Olivia Newton-John was a self-proclaimed Megan O’Neill fan.

Late in 2022, Megan toured with Glen Hansard across Ireland as part of his band and took part in the famous Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street. She is also a member of indie-electronic project ‘Where the Waters Meet’ alongside Paul Kenny which launched in November 2022 with a commissioned piece for the Recording Academy (The Grammy Awards): their cover of ‘Bette Davis Eyes’.

https://instagram.com/meganoneillmusic

https://twitter.com/meganoneill / @meganoneill

https://www.facebook.com/MeganONeillMusic

Prepare to have your spirits ignited as one of Ireland’s hottest new hopefuls steps into the spotlight to conquer the Eurovision stage. Dublin based rapper JyellowL hopes to go all the way to the Eurovision final in Malmö, Sweden with his dynamic new single ‘Judas’ featuring stunning vocals from Toshin. The inspiring single, a battle cry for facing down adversity, and sure fire earworm is officially released the same day JyellowL will perform on The Late Late Show for the Eurosong final on January 26, 2024.

‘Judas’ has had an extraordinary start even before its release on January 26 and JyellowL’s performance on The Late Late Show for the Eurosong final. It is this week’s 2FM’s Track of the Week by Roz and Emma and has garnered support from iRadio, Red FM, Galway Bay FM and Clare FM ahead of its release on Friday January 26.

JyellowL learned from his Jamaican grandmother how to be himself in a world that wants to force you down a particular path. Born of Jamaican and Nigerian parents and raised in Ireland, the 25 year old rapper has drawn on all three origins to create a distinctly powerful sound that is radically individual.

New single ‘Judas’, encapsulates this spirit. The electrifying track is more than just a potential earworm. ‘Judas’ is a battle cry for anyone who has ever faced down adversity, personified as the ultimate betrayer. Whether it’s negativity, roadblocks, or toxic relationships, ‘Judas’ challenges listeners to rise above the shadows and stay true to their vision. “It’s about pushing forward, no matter what life throws at you,” shares JyellowL. “Judas might knock you down, but you get back up, stronger and wiser.” A powerful anthem of resilience ‘Judas’ is co-produced by two music titan veterans: Jake Gosling, whose Midas touch has graced albums by Ed Sheeran, One Direction, and Sam Smith, and Sammy SoSo, the mastermind behind Tyla’s chart-topping smash ‘Water’.

JyellowL has collaborated with London-based Nigerian artist Lanre Olagoke on the artwork for ‘Judas’ which incorporates Olagoke’s “The Heart”. Speaking on this JyellowL says, “This piece of art is so representative of what ‘Judas’ means to me. We’re looking at a distressed heart, structure on the outside but bothered on the inside. It’s a heart that’s taken a beating but it’s still beating nonetheless. Carrying out its function and fulfilling its purpose regardless of what burdens it.”

This isn’t just any single release; ‘Judas’ is vying for the coveted title of Ireland’s Eurovision song, and it’s already generating serious buzz among music critics and fans alike. Tipped as one of the six frontrunners to represent Ireland on the international stage, ‘Judas’ is set for a grand unveiling on the Late Late Show, airing live during the Eurosong final itself. With its infectious melody, empowering lyrics, and production pedigree courtesy of industry heavyweights, ‘Judas’ is poised to become a beacon of hope and self-belief, both on the Eurovision stage and beyond. Get ready to sing along, shout it from the rooftops, and let ‘Judas’ remind you that even in the darkest moments, the power to rise and shine still resides within you.

Speaking on being announced for the Eurosong final JyellowL said, ”It’s an absolute honour to be one of 6 shortlisted acts to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2024. I would love nothing more than to represent Ireland as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage. I’ve always been a flag bearer for Irish music from my song ‘Ozone’ being on the soundtrack for FIFA 20 and putting a spotlight on the Irish rap scene. This is different for me because now I will actually be looking to carry the Eurovision ambitions of the country on my shoulders and I will do it with pride.”

JyellowL, dynamic in his lyricism and fueled by political conviction, delivered his highly anticipated debut album in 2020, with the first single ‘JeweLs’. A leading voice emerging out of the fierce juggernaut that is Ireland’s rap scene, this debut follows two groundbreaking EP’s and a string of headline performances, both in Ireland and internationally.

His standout track ‘Ozone’ has surpassed 3 million streams on Spotify and the single ‘Oh Lawd’ has already surpassed 2 million streams. A self-driven artist and entrepreneur, his newly established JyellowL Records Ltd quickly landed a distribution deal with the international distribution company IDOL.

Following the resounding success of his debut album, JyellowL has taken his musical journey to new heights. The album’s commercial triumph, coupled with tours alongside industry giants like Nelly, The Game, and De La Soul, solidified his status as an artist on the rise. His music has found its place in popular culture, with placements on notable platforms such as EA Sports’ FIFA soundtrack, Hulu’s original series ‘Normal People’, and collaborations with global telecom provider Virgin Media.

Connect with JyellowL:

Instagram/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Youtube

Donegal singer-songwriter Carol Wilson is treading new waters as she releases her first song in Irish, first dance track, first collab release and first on-site video release in one.

Carol has to date released seven singles, an album (Trouble Me 2021), an EP (Live at The Balor, 2023) and is currently working on her second album ‘Magnolia’. Carol recently placed third overall in Music Capital’s International Singer-Songwriter Competition and is co-founder, co-host and performer at the regular music nights ‘Frida Fridays’ at ‘An Stad’ restaurant, Rathmullan.

‘I’m from the Gaeltacht and have always had a deep love for the Irish language, so I’m excited to finally be releasing a song in our native tongue’ says Carol. ‘It was about six months ago, when I went to record the song, that I got the feeling to turn it into a kind of dance song – so I gave it to Tommy Conway of Fulltilt Studios and was delighted with the dance version that he came up with.’

Grá is about a journey from darkness into light. ‘It’s about someone who is in the darkest of dark places, questioning everything about life, and being in complete despair – but slowly, over time things change, answers come and they go from despair to happiness again, this time with a deeper and better understanding of life’.

Carol shot the music video in the historic Battery site in Rathmullan with videographer Jeffin Varghese. Grá is out February 1st and Carol will celebrate its release with a live performance at the Imbolc Frida Fridays on February 2nd at An Stad, Rathmullan and Mini-Mouthpiece’s all woman show at The Cottage Bar Letterkenny on February 7th.

Queen Bitch is a musical project by Irish artist Róisín Bohan. Through the genres of rock, blues, grunge and more, she explores the vastness of human experience, touching on trauma, sexuality, doubt, pain and joy in her inimitable and powerful style.

A new voice to add to the rich lineage of fearless female bards like Patti Smith, PJ Harvey, Karen O and Siouxsie Sioux. Guitar in hand, she brings a regal air to the stage and stereo. Enter her Queendom and join her amassing army of loyal subjects!

Her first single ‘Bones’ (released October ‘23) from upcoming self-titled album, ‘Queen Bitch’ was a fracturing frenzy of crashing guitars and cymbals. A ferocious wail heralds the powerful track to come, a song about healing, about strength and rebuilding, losing your trust before finding a great trust.

Don’t miss Queen Bitch’s rise as she conquers the rock scene with her powerful live shows and string of compelling releases into 2024 and beyond.

With writing beginning in September 2022, the chorus’s hook emerged spontaneously alongside the repetitious chord progression, forming the foundation of the song.

It remained with just this bare structure until February 2023, when two transformative vocal sessions delving into psychological dimensions of the voice, alongside a chapter from the Canadian physician, Gabor Mate’s, book ‘The Myth of Normal’, on childbirth procedure within western culture, sparked the lyrics of the remaining verses.

This song encapsulates a sentiment of feeling trapped by societal expectations, and internalising these within our thought patterns. It navigates the fears ingrained within us that hinder us from embracing our authentic selves. It speaks of the facade we wear, concealing our true identities, and yearns to shatter these self-imposed constraints. Gradually building momentum, the song erupts in the second chorus, symbolising a yearning for liberation and the pursuit of freedom embedded within its melody. The recurring hook line echoes the cyclical patterns we find ourselves trapped within that we so desperately seek to escape.

‘Confines’ inception began on the piano, premiering on acoustic guitar at an open mic night, finally finding its way to the rock rendition which you will now hear.

Recorded at Beardfire Studios Dublin, featuring a powerhouse ensemble – Al Quiff on drums, Rohan Healy on bass, Petri Visser on lead guitar, and Róisín Bohan on rhythm guitar and vocals, produced by the seasoned Beardfire team.

Connect with Queen Bitch on Social Media:

Facebook  Instagram  Spotify  Twitter  TikTok

Today, acclaimed indie rock band Pillow Queens announce their third studio album Name Your Sorrow, due out April 19 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the big news, the band share the honest, roaring track “Gone” out everywhere now. Plus, Pillow Queens announce a fresh string of live dates throughout the UK this June with pre-sale beginning tomorrow, January 25 and the general on-sale beginning Friday, January 26. The band’s biggest show to date is set for July 13 at Dublin, Ireland’s Iveagh Gardens with tickets on sale now via pillowqueens.com/live.

The band’s triumphant third full-length album Name Your Sorrow finds the group at their most vulnerable and self-assured as they explore themes of queerness, insecurity, desire and heartbreak as well as the positivity and strength that can grow from pain. Produced by Collin Pastore (Lucy Dacus, boygenius) at Analogue Catalogue in Northern Ireland, the collection sees the group chart new territory as they give fans an all-new, uninhibited look at both their artistry and humanity. With masterful instrumentation and raw lyricism, the quartet immerse listeners in a robust, emotionally-charged sonic world like never before.

Each of the eleven tracks peel back an additional layer of the human condition, from grief to joy and everything in between, culminating in a collective catharsis–a newfound sense of strength and hope in a greater sense of self. With moments of harmony and contradiction, lead guitarist and vocalist Cathy McGuinness calls the album one of intensity, loneliness and love. “It is about stages of love, loss and grief and how they can all exist alongside one another–intertwined, messy, beautiful–how both love and loss can coexist.” Tucked away in the quiet Irish countryside, the group bonded deeply, laughing, cooking for each other and playing games which resulted in a safe, supportive environment that allowed each musician to experiment, mess up, and try again. Pillow Queens credit Irish poet Eavan Bolan, English poet John Keats, and British writer C.S. Lewis among their literary inspirations during the writing process, and musically, influences range from Vampire Weekend to Barbara Streisand to Frank Ocean, Tool and Lana Del Rey.

The latest taste of the forthcoming project–the brooding, building “Gone”–tells a torturous tale of exiting a collapsing relationship, with a pulsing beat that feeds a sense of uneasiness. The band says, “‘Gone'” is a song that looks into the vapid nature of brief romantic encounters and the hyperbole that can become so monotonous, it makes you jaded.” The track came about at the end of a jam session during a songwriting retreat in The Burren on the West Coast of Ireland. Lead vocalist, guitarist and bassist Pamela Connolly adds, “Lines like, ‘I was in your top five things to do’ convey a lack of self-worth that’s tackled throughout the album. It’s a song that showcases a vulnerability that allows for no silver linings–it’s the reality of how someone is feeling in the moment.”

Watch “Gone” (Official Visualizer)

In November 2023, the band shared the first taste of the project with “Suffer,” filled with soul-stirring lyrics and a melancholic melody that captures the ache of heartbreak and the struggle to let go. This summer, Pillow Queens are set to perform throughout the UK including their biggest show yet in Dublin on July 13. See a full list of dates below with tickets on sale now here.

Formed in 2016, Pillow Queens–made up of Pamela Connolly (lead vocals, guitar, bass), SarahCorcoran (vocals, guitar, bass), Cathy McGuinness (vocals, lead guitar) and Rachel Lyons (vocals, drums)–burst onto the scene with their debut demo EP Calm Girls, leading to a string of UK and Irish dates and festival appearances. The release of their follow up EP State of the State prompted Hot Press to write the band is, “currently lauded by any critic worth their salt.” Their debut album In Waiting arrived in 2020 and received praise from The Guardian, who called them “2020’s most exciting indie rockers,” NPR, NME, and The Line of Best Fit, they were named a Band To Watch by Stereogum, received a Choice Prize Irish Album of The Year nomination and made their first U.S. national television appearance remotely on the Late Late Show with James Corden.

Taking the world by storm, the band went on to tour North America, UK and Europe, play at SXSW and open for IDLES, Pavement, and later, Phoebe Bridgers in Glasgow. Upon the 2022 release of their sophomore album Leave The Light On, Pitchfork wrote, “Pillow Queens make the kind of noise that tends to flourish live, roared back by the faithful: burnished heartland euphoria, defiant lyricism bolstered by ragged harmonies, lashings of pride, and an unabashed love of crescendos.” The Guardian added, “Sonically, the album evokes the work of Americana-influenced alt-rock musicians such as Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten and even the Killers – a sound that is both epically transcendent and comfortingly gritty.” DIY Magazine raved about the band’s evolution, stating, “‘Leave The Light On’ swaps this sense of personal heritage for introspection, pairing delicate self-reflection with sounds far grander than their previous release,” and the band once again received an Irish Album Of The Year nomination, as well as made their debut in-person late night TV show appearance, once again on the Late Late Show with James Corden. Now, in 2024, with fueled by an elevated sound and unflinching honesty, Pillow Queens are prepared to ascend to new heights.

The highly anticipated third studio album by Pillow Queens, Name Your Sorrow, is due out April 19 and available for pre-order now. The fiery new offering from the forthcoming project, “Gone,” is out everywhere now. Experience Pillow Queens live across the UK this June and later, at their biggest show to date at Iveagh Gardens in Dublin on July 13 with tickets on sale now here.

Pillow Queens via Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Watch “Suffer” (Official Visualizer) | Listen

Pillow Queens Live

Jun 5 – Leeds, UK – Wardrobe

Jun 6 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece

Jun 7 – London, UK – Brixton Electric

Jun 8 – Manchester, UK – YES Pink Room

Jun 10 – Newcastle, UK – Cluny

Jun 11 – Glasgow, UK – Saint Lukes

Jul 13 – Dublin – Iveagh Gardens

Garageland in association with IMRO Announces 2024 with Red Hot Wednesdays at Fibbers.

Throughout 2024 Garageland is staging 12 showcase gigs aimed at supporting emerging artists.

Speaking about Red Hot Wednesdays, Garageland’s Ayanna Church says ‘We are so proud to have hosted the very first shows for Thanks Mom, Dopamine, Mya Foley in 2023 and 2022, are we so excited to see who plays with us in 2024! The support from IMRO helps us to focus on new initiatives like this, so watch out for much more in 2024!’

Each show will feature 3 brand new acts, and all acts will be put forward for the first Garageland Live Awards in December 2024.

The first show is scheduled for Wednesday 24th January at Fibbers Dublin – over 18’s with ID.

Artists already confirmed to play the series include String Cut Puppets, Agent Orange, SYGH and Aaron James (pictured).

Artists wanting to perform at Garageland Red Hot Wednesday can book their slot using the automated Garageland Booking Page at www.garageland.ie/dates

The finalists have been chosen; the judges have been announced and Carlow is gearing up for the live final of the Pan Celtic National Song Contest ‘24.

The gala event will take place in the GB Shaw Theatre @ Visual on Saturday, 27 January at 8pm.

From a total of more than 30 entries, 14 newly composed songs in the Irish language have been shortlisted for the live final and the finalists will go head-to -head for the top prize of €1,000 as well as the chance to represent Ireland next April at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest ‘24. The judges this year will be:

• Órla Fallon (singer, songwriter, harpist and former member of the group Celtic Woman and the chamber choir Anúna);
• Carlow’s own TADHG Ó Grifín (singer, musician, songwriter and a finalist many times in the earlier years of Pan Celtic in Carlow)
• Niamh de Búrca (singer, adjudicator and a leading organizer at Gael Linn of the Slógadh, Siansa & Scléip talent competitions.)

The 14 songs which have made it to the final cross a number of styles and genres ranging from rock, pop and folk to traditional and classical making for what promises to be a most enjoyable event.

Musical director as usual will be Carlow’s own Ollie Hennessy backed by the magnificent Pan Celtic House Band. The Pan Celtic song contest is kindly sponsored by Carlow County Council & Enterprise Board and supported by NUA, IMRO, Gael Linn, Glór Cheatharlach, Foras na Gaeilge and an tOireachtas.

Three prizes will be awarded on the night, €100 for third place, €200 for second place with the top prize of €1,000 and the Pan Celtic National Song Contest trophy going to the overall winning song.  The winning song will go on to represent Ireland at the International Song Contest which will take place during the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow next April.

Tickets for the not to be missed event on 27 January are €15 are available now from boxoffice@nullvisualcarlow.ie or 059 9172400 and will also be available on the night. Doors will open at 7.30pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. The event is expected to be a sellout and a fantastic evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.